Oil Change Service

Isn’t that where the oil filter comes in? Yes, but a dirty filter can only do so much. Imagine trying to clean your entire kitchen with the same paper towel over and over. After a few swipes, that paper towel is going to be utterly disgusting, and instead of cleaning your kitchen, it will just help you spread dirt and grease. Oil filters are similar- just like the oil, they need to be changed regularly in order to do the job they’re meant to do.

At the simplest of levels, an oil change service includes the technician removing the used motor oil and dirty filter from your engine and putting in new oil and a clean filter. But because most of us are incredibly busy, it’s also a good idea to have the trained technicians check out a few other things while you and your car are already at the service station. This can include double-checking the brakes, tires, windshield wipers and washer fluid, power steering and transmission fluids, and other basic maintenance items. Typically, the techs will complete these inspections at no extra charge, though there will be costs associated with any repairs or replacements you choose to have done on top of the oil change while you’re there.

The Importance of an Oil Change

Whether you drive a sporty coupe or a family-size SUV, your engine requires your assistance. Under the hood of your vehicle is a complicated system designed for high performance, and lots of heat is generated when all of those metal parts are in action. In addition, we don’t drive our vehicles in a vacuum. We drive down stretches of road where dust, leaves, grass, gravel, and strange debris of all sorts can kick up into the inner workings of the vehicles we drive.

This combination of heat and debris means bad news to finely-tuned mechanical motor parts. Extra friction and heat can cause damage to the parts, while the build-up of grime can cause them to lock up- sometimes permanently. Motor oil is your engine’s best defense against long-term health problems. Fresh oil helps lubricate those delicate metal parts, allowing them to move as intended. The constant flow of oil while the motor is running also helps cool down those red-hot metal pieces, as well.

The oil also flushes the debris, preventing it from building up in the intricate nooks, crannies, and interlocking pieces that comprise your engine. While dirt and grime are to be expected, too much build-up in one area can prevent the precision-tuned pieces within your vehicle from moving correctly. That can lead to leakage, lock up, or breakdown over time.

Rather than cleaning out your engine every time you drive your vehicle, all you need to do is make sure the oil levels are at the manufacturer’s recommended levels and that fresh oil and a new oil filter are placed in your vehicle per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally speaking, oil changes are recommended between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, but always double-check the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific requirements.

Five Benefits of Routine Oil Changes

Taking your car, truck, or SUV in for regular oil changes can sometimes be a tricky thing to remember. While many modern vehicles have reminder lights that flash to get our attention, it’s often possible to accidentally override them or to simply forget about them until it’s too late. Aside from reducing friction, keeping your engine cool and functioning, and helping to clean debris from your engine, getting the oil in your vehicle changed regularly can have some very positive benefits for you and your car, including:

• Better Engine Performance. This should seem pretty straightforward. If you have a clean, well-lubricated engine, it will perform better. But what does that mean, as a driver? It can actually mean a smoother ride, a quieter driver, and a lot less anxiety about what might be happening under the hood. It’s not just your mind playing tricks on you - your vehicle probably does drive much better with snappier responses when you’ve had an oil change, especially if it’s been a while.
• Better Fuel Economy. While you might not think your oil consumption and your fuel usage have anything to do with each other, they share a common component: your engine. An engine that is well lubricated has reduced friction, which allows all the parts to move more freely. An engine that is operating at its best capacity isn’t chugging as much fuel, which means fewer trips to the pumps for you and fewer charges to your bank card.
• Reduced Emissions. We’ve all seen that older car, grinding down the road with a stinky cloud of fumes following closely behind. You don’t need to be the driver of that vehicle. Old, grimy oil is no longer able to absorb heat and will burn as the engine works hard to keep your vehicle moving. That burning old oil is what causes the nasty pollution you see in some older vehicles. Keep your engine from turning into “that car” by having the oil changed regularly all through your vehicle’s life!
• Increase Engine Lifespan. Speaking of your vehicle’s life, it should make sense by now that changing the oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations will keep your vehicle running better for a longer period of time. A steady flow of clean oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and keeping it clean, lubricated, and cool greatly reduces the chances of engine malfunction due to overheating and wear and tear.
• Keep Your Entire Car Running Better. Oil touches so many of the components within the engine- the crankshaft, the connecting rods, the pistons, the camshaft, and more. All of these parts depend on oil to operate smoothly and efficiently 100% of the time. If one of them malfunctions due to dirt build-up or breaks under heat and pressure, it will lead to even greater engine troubles, which in turn means a huge headache for you. Take care of your oil, and you take care of your entire car.

Visit Thomas Nissan for an Oil Change